My, oh my, how he has grown!
Though I think it’s extremely like that Seven is Grey/Traveler’s son, Hayden is the only colt in the basin I know for sure is his son. And, of course, he’s the son of lovely Jif.
From the very beginning, he’s had that *something* – a worthy son of the king of the basin.
Mama Jif and Hayden
Such a handsome boy!
Not too long after he was born, he and Jif ended up with Chrome, who had dogged Grey’s band since August.
This morning was one of my favorites ever in the basin – and you are correct in saying to yourself that nearly every day in the basin makes it to the “favorite days” column.
Hayden’s hoofprint
Learning from mama what to eat.
He grew a very fuzzy coat and survived the winter very well.
He and Cuatro, born in May, were like brothers … and maybe they are brothers (we’ll just never know if Twister or Grey/Traveler is Cuatro’s sire).
He and his family took the winter in stride.
So photogenic!
Hayden and Cuatro spent endless hours playing together …
And still took time to pose for portraits!
This is in March – fuzzy bear.
April – with Cuatro
May – look how much bigger he looks just from April to May!
June – nearly slick!
July – love how he glows!
August – looking rather like a little grownup baby boy napping in the early sunshine.
Earlier this month, watching a truck. Definitely in his not-quite-graceful yearling phase. 🙂
I just love the red-gold of his coat shining in the morning sunlight. Here, he was after a little bird that had been perching on Jif. It perched briefly on Hayden’s crest before it took off, and he was curious enough to follow!
Happy birthday, most beloved boy. I hope your future holds many long years in your basin home, carrying on the superior genes and wisdom of your ancestors.
Spring Creek Basin Mustangs 
What a cutie Hayden is! I always think his star looks like a heart.
My love to the most adorable little boy-how fast he’s growing up!
I’ve always thought his start looks like a heart, too! This little boy holds a very special place in my heart – as does his daddy!
Love this little guy. It was just a year ago that we were out to see this beautiful little newborn colt. I am so glad that it has been a good year out there. and the water holes finally got dug out. The horses look great! Thank you for all the great pictures and updates! These are well loved ponies.
Well-loved, indeed! I’m eager to see whether the rain from last week had any effect on the ponds – especially the newly dugout ones. Weather prognosticators are giving us a prediction of a warm(er) and dry(er) winter …